Methods and Apparatus for RF Channel Selection in a Multi-Frequency Network

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network. A method includes identifying selected local operations infrastructures (LOIs) and their neighboring LOIs, generating a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the selected LOIs and their neighboring LOIs and associates a descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel of the selected LOIs and their neighboring LOIs, and distributing the NDM over the selected LOIs. An apparatus includes a message decoder to receive an NDM that identifies RF channels of a first LOI and neighboring LOIs, and wherein each RF channel is associated with a descrambling sequence identifier, and processing logic to detect content acquisition failures, determine a list of RF channels and their associated LOIs that carry desired content, and select a selected RF channel that is associated with a selected LOI that carries the most additional content among the associated LOIs.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

The present Application for patent claims priority to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/896,253 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for ProvidingNeighbor List Data in a Multiple Frequency Network,” filed Mar. 21,2007, and to Provisional Application No. 60/945,308, entitled, “Methodsand Apparatus for Providing Neighbor List Data in a Multiple FrequencyNetwork,” filed Jun. 20, 2007, both assigned to the assignee hereof andhereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present application relates generally to the operation of datanetworks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for RF channelselection in a multi-frequency network.

2. Background

Data networks, such as wireless communication networks, have to tradeoff between services customized for a single terminal and servicesprovided to a large number of terminals. For example, the distributionof multimedia content to a large number of resource limited portabledevices (subscribers) is a complicated problem. Therefore, it isimportant for network operators, content retailers, and serviceproviders to have a way to distribute content and/or other networkservices in a fast and efficient manner and in such a way as to increasebandwidth utilization and power efficiency.

A multi-frequency network (MFN) is a network in which multiple radiofrequencies (RFs) (or RF channels) are used to transmit media content.One type of MFN is a horizontal multi-frequency network (HMFN) where adistribution waveform is transmitted over different RF channels indifferent local areas. The same or different content may be transmittedas part of distribution waveforms carried over different RF channels insuch local areas. Another type of MFN is a vertical multi-frequencynetwork (MFN) in which multiple radio frequency (RF) channels are usedin a given local area to transmit independent distribution waveformswith an aim to increase the capacity of the network (in terms of theability to deliver more content to a device/end user). An MFN deploymentmay also consist of VMFN in certain areas and HMFN in certain otherareas.

In a typical VMFN, a local operations infrastructure (LOI) comprisestransmitting sites that operate to transmit multiple distributionwaveforms over multiple RF channels in a selected geographic area. Eachdistribution waveform may comprise one or more content flows that can beselected at a receiving device for rendering. Adjacent LOIs may utilizethe same or different RF channels.

During operation, a receiving device may perform an RF channel switch asa result of a user request or an application request to acquire contenton another RF channel. The device may also perform an RF channel switchif content acquisition failure happens for desired content e.g. due todevice mobility. The device mobility is defined as the device movingfrom the coverage area of the current LOI to the coverage area of otherneighboring LOIs. The content acquisition failure can also happen due tovarying channel conditions without involving device mobility. Typically,the device may switch to any available RF channel that carries thedesired content flow. In the case of content acquisition failure due todevice mobility, the coverage areas of two or more LOIs may overlap sothat multiple RF channels may be available that carry the desiredcontent. These available RF channels belong to different LOIs, and eachLOI may comprise a wide variety of additional content carried on otherRF channels. If the device randomly selects an RF channel that carriesthe desired content from the available RF channels, the LOI associatedwith the selected RF channel may not carry the most additional content.For example, the LOI associated with the selected RF channel may carryless content than LOIs associated with other available RF channels.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system that operates to allowa device to select an RF channel carrying the desired content that isassociated with a LOI that has the most additional content, therebyproviding the device with the ability to switch to the additionalcontent in a fast and efficient manner for an enhanced user experience.

SUMMARY

In one or more aspects, a selection system, comprising methods andapparatus, is provided that operates to select an RF channel having adesired content flow and that is available in a LOI having the mostadditional content flows in a multi-frequency network. After the RFchannel switch, the device can receive the desired content flow and hasthe ability to switch to the additional content flows in a fast andefficient manner. This provides access to the maximum number ofadditional content flows to a device end user for an enhanced userexperience.

In an aspect, a method is provided for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The method comprises identifying one or moreselected LOIs and one or more neighboring LOIs for each of the one ormore selected LOIs in the multi-frequency network and generating aneighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the one or moreselected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs and associates atleast one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channelassociated with each of the one or more selected LOIs and theirrespective neighboring LOIs. The method also comprises distributing theNDM over each of the one or more selected LOIs.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The apparatus comprises messaging logicconfigured to identify one or more selected LOIs and one or moreneighboring LOIs for each of the one or more selected LOIs in themulti-frequency network, generate an NDM that identifies the one or moreselected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs, and associate atleast one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channelassociated with each of the one or more selected LOIs and theirrespective neighboring LOIs. The apparatus also comprises output logicconfigured to distribute the NDM over the one or more selected LOIs.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The apparatus comprises means for identifyingone or more selected LOIs and one or more neighboring LOIs for each ofthe one or more selected LOIs in the multi-frequency network, means forgenerating an NDM that identifies the one or more selected LOIs andtheir respective neighboring LOIs, and associates at least onedescrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel associated witheach of the one or more selected LOIs and their respective neighboringLOIs, and means for distributing the NDM over the one or more selectedLOIs.

In an aspect, a computer program product is provided for RF channelselection in a multi-frequency network. The computer program productcomprises a machine-readable medium that comprises a first set of codesfor causing a computer to identify one or more selected LOIs and one ormore neighboring LOIs for each of the one or more selected LOIs in themulti-frequency network, generate an NDM that identifies the one or moreselected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs, and associate atleast one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channelassociated with each of the one or more selected LOIs and theirrespective neighboring LOIs, and a second set of codes for causing thecomputer to distribute the NDM over the one or more selected LOIs

In an aspect, an integrated circuit is provided that is configured forRF channel selection in a multi-frequency network. The integratedcircuit comprises a first module configured to identify one or moreselected LOIs and one or more neighboring LOIs for each of the one ormore selected LOIs in the multi-frequency network, generate an NDM thatidentifies the one or more selected LOIs and their respectiveneighboring LOIs, and associate at least one descrambling sequenceidentifier with each RF channel associated with each of the one or moreselected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs, and a second moduleconfigured to distribute the NDM over the one or more selected LOIs.

In an aspect, a method is provided for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The method comprises receiving an NDM thatidentifies RF channels associated with a first LOI and one or moreneighboring LOIs of the first LOI, and wherein each RF channel isassociated with at least one descrambling sequence identifier, anddetecting content acquisition failures associated with desired content.The method also comprises determining a list of RF channels carrying thedesired content and their associated LOIs from the one or moreneighboring LOIs, and selecting a selected RF channel from the list ofRF channels, wherein the selected RF channel is associated with aselected LOI that carries the most additional content among theassociated LOIs.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The apparatus comprises a message decoderconfigured to receive an NDM that identifies RF channels associated witha first LOI and one or more neighboring LOIs of the first LOI, andwherein each RF channel is associated with at least one descramblingsequence identifier. The apparatus also comprises processing logicconfigured to detect content acquisition failures associated withdesired content, determine a list of RF channels carrying the desiredcontent and their associated LOIs from the one or more neighboring LOIs,and select a selected RF channel from the list of RF channels, whereinthe selected RF channel is associated with a selected LOI that carriesthe most additional content among the associated LOIs.

In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The apparatus comprises means for receiving anNDM that identifies RF channels associated with a first LOI and one ormore neighboring LOIs of the first LOI, and wherein each RF channel isassociated with at least one descrambling sequence identifier, and meansfor detecting content acquisition failures associated with desiredcontent. The apparatus also comprises means for determining a list of RFchannels carrying the desired content and their associated LOIs from theone or more neighboring LOIs, and means for selecting a selected RFchannel from the list of RF channels, wherein the selected RF channel isassociated with a selected LOI that carries the most additional contentamong the associated LOIs.

In an aspect, a computer program product is provided for RF channelselection in a multi-frequency network. The computer program productcomprises a machine-readable medium that comprises a first set of codesfor causing a computer to receive an NDM that identifies RF channelsassociated with a first LOI and one or more neighboring LOIs of thefirst LOI, and wherein each RF channel is associated with at least onedescrambling sequence identifier, a second set of codes for causing thecomputer to detect content acquisition failures associated with desiredcontent, a third set of codes for causing the computer to determine alist of RF channels carrying the desired content and their associatedLOIs from the one or more neighboring LOIs, and a fourth set of codesfor causing the computer to select a selected RF channel from the listof RF channels, wherein the selected RF channel is associated with aselected LOI that carries the most additional content among theassociated LOIs.

In an aspect, at least one integrated circuit is provided that isconfigured to perform a method for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network. The at least one integrated circuit comprises afirst module configured to receive an NDM that identifies RF channelsassociated with a first LOI and one or more neighboring LOIs of thefirst LOI, and wherein each RF channel is associated with at least onedescrambling sequence identifier, a second module configured to detectcontent acquisition failures associated with desired content, a thirdmodule configured to determine a list of RF channels carrying thedesired content and their associated LOIs from the one or moreneighboring LOIs, and a fourth module configured to select a selected RFchannel from the list of RF channels, wherein the selected RF channel isassociated with a selected LOI that carries the most additional contentamong the associated LOIs.

Other aspects will become apparent after review of the hereinafter setforth Brief Description of the Drawings, Description, and the Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects described herein will become more readily apparentby reference to the following Description when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a network that illustrates how descrambling sequenceidentifiers are provisioned in multiple LOIs of a MFN for use in aspectsof a selection system;

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a transmission frame for use in aspects of aselection system;

FIG. 3 shows aggregation logic for use in aspects of a selection system;

FIG. 4 shows a diagram that illustrates a neighbor description messagefor use in aspects of a selection system;

FIG. 5 shows a method for generating neighbor description messages foruse in aspects of a selection system;

FIG. 6 shows RF channel selection logic for use in aspects of aselection system;

FIG. 7 shows a method for selecting an RF channel for use in aspects ofa selection system;

FIG. 8 shows aggregation logic for use in aspects of a selection system;and

FIG. 9 shows RF channel selection logic for use in aspects of aselection system.

DESCRIPTION

In one or more aspects, a selection system is provided that operates toallow a device to select an RF channel in a multi-frequency network. Inan aspect, the selection system aggregates descrambling sequenceidentifiers associated with RF channels in a particular LOI and itsneighboring LOIs into a neighbor description message. The systemgenerates an NDM for each LOI (or for a selected group of LOIs) in thevertical multi-frequency network. The NDMs are then distributed totransmitters in respective LOIs, which in turn transmit the NDMs todevices in their coverage areas.

It is bandwidth efficient to generate an NDM for each LOI, however anNDM may be generated for a group of LOIs to simplify NDM generation anddistribution logic within the selection system. When the NDM isgenerated for a group of LOIs, it includes descrambling sequenceidentifiers associated with RF channels in each LOI (within the group ofLOIs) and its neighboring LOIs. The NDM generated for a group of LOIs isdistributed to transmitters in each LOI within the group of LOIs.Transmitters in turn transmit the received NDMs to devices in theircoverage areas.

A device receiving an NDM can determine the set of neighboring LOIs ofthe current LOI and descrambling sequences associated with RF channelsused in its current LOI and its neighboring LOIs. During an RF channelswitch initiated after content acquisition failure e.g. because ofdevice mobility when the device moves from a region covered by itscurrent LOI to a region covered by one or more neighboring LOIs, theselection logic at the device processes the received NDM to quickly andefficiently determine an RF channel in a neighbor LOI carrying thedesired content and descrambling sequence associated with that RFchannel. This will allow a smooth handoff to occur from a contentacquisition perspective. If there are multiple neighboring LOIs thathave RF channels that carry the desired content, the selection logicoperates to select the RF channel associated with a neighboring LOIhaving the most additional content. Thus, after the RF switch to theselected RF channel, the device has access to the additional content,which can be switched to in a fast and efficient manner to provide anenhanced user experience.

The system is well suited for use in wireless network environments, butmay be used in any type of network environment, including but notlimited to, communication networks, public networks, such as theInternet, private networks, such as virtual private networks (VPN),local area networks, wide area networks, long haul networks, or anyother type of data network.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions are used herein to describe aspects of aselection system.

-   1. Local Area—Refers to a local geographic area such as a building,    group of buildings, community, city, county or other local region in    which services may be broadcast.-   2. Wide Area—Refers to a wide geographic area such as a county,    state, multiple states, country, multiple countries or other wide    region in which services may be broadcast.-   3. Multiplex—Refers to a grouping of content flows.-   4. Wide Area Multiplex—Refers to a grouping of content flows that    are broadcasted over at least one wide area.-   5. Local Area Multiplex—Refers to grouping of content flows that are    broadcasted over at least one local area.-   6. Wide Area Operations Infrastructure (WOI)—Refers to a grouping of    transmitters and associated systems that operate to transmit content    flows over a wide area. A WOI maps to the smallest geographical wide    area which can carry a wide area multiplex. A wide area multiplex    may be broadcasted over one or more WOs.-   7. Local Area Operations Infrastructure (LOI)—Refers to a grouping    of transmitters and associated systems that operate to transmit    content flows over a local area. A LOI maps to the smallest    geographical local area which can carry a local area multiplex. A    local area multiplex may be broadcasted over one or more LOIs.-   8. RF Channel—Refers to an RF frequency that is used to convey a    content distribution waveform over a selected LOI.-   9. Content Channel—Refers to selected content flows within a    particular distribution waveform. For example, a distribution    waveform may comprise multiple content channels and each content    channel may comprise one or more content flows.

Acronyms

The following acronyms are used herein to describe aspects of aselection system.

LM—Local Area Multiplex WM—Wide Area Multiplex NOC—Network OperationsCenter LOI—Local Operations Infrastructure NDM—Neighbor DescriptionMessage WID—Wide Area Descrambling Identifier LID—Local AreaDescrambling Identifier Introduction

FIG. 1 shows a network 100 that illustrates how WID/LID descramblingsequence identifiers are provisioned in multiple LOIs for use in aspectsof a selection system. For example, the network 100 comprises four WOIs(WOI1, WOI2, WOI3, and WOI4) each comprising one LOI (LOI1, LOI2, LOI3,and LOI4, respectively) of a multi-frequency network. Within each LOI,one or more RF channels are used to transmit content. Each RF channelhas an associated WID/LID that identifies descrambling sequences thatcan be used to descramble content transmitted on that RF channel. LOI1,LOI2, LOI3, and LOI4 are neighboring LOIs as shown in network 100. TheLOI1 has LOI2 as its neighbor, the LOI2 has LOI1, LOI3 and LOI4 as itsneighbors, the LOI3 has LOI2 as its neighbor and LOI4 has LOI2 as itsneighbors.

The network 100 comprises a network operations center (NOC) 102 thatoperates to receive wide and local content multiplexes for distributionover selected wide and local areas of a multi-frequency network. The NOC102 also operates to configure the multi-frequency network to distributethat content. To accomplish this, the NOC 102 is aware of the geographicregions of the network that are covered by the LOIs, the RF channelsused in each region, and any other network information that may beneeded to configure the network and distribute the wide and local areacontent multiplexes. It should be noted that the network 100 maycomprise any number of LOIs.

In an aspect, the NOC 102 comprises aggregation logic 104. Theaggregation logic 104 operates to aggregate information relating to thelist of neighboring LOIs for each LOI and the WID/LID descramblingidentifiers that are associated with the RF channels in each LOI. Forexample, the wide and local area content multiplexes are scrambled withwide area and local area scrambling sequences before transmission overthe network 100. In an aspect, the aggregation logic 104 operates togenerate NDM messages that are configured to provide a list ofneighboring LOIs associated with a particular LOI and WID/LIDidentifiers that identify descrambling sequences associated with RFchannels of the particular LOI and its neighboring LOIs. In anotheraspect, the NDM messages are configured to provide a list of neighboringLOIs and WID/LID identifiers associated with RF channels for anyselected group of LOIs. A more detailed description of the NDM messagesgenerated by the aggregation logic 104 is provided in another section ofthis document.

The NOC 102 operates to transmit the wide and local area multiplexes andthe generated NDMs to the LOIs in the network 100. It should be notedthat although only four LOIs are shown, the NOC 102 may transmit themultiplexes and associated NDMs to any number of LOIs.

In an aspect, the LOI1, LOI2, LOI3, and LOI4 comprise one or moretransmitter sites. For example, the LOI1 comprises transmitter site 106.Each transmitter site operates to transmit a distribution waveform on aselected RF channel over its respective LOI. It should be noted thateach transmitter site comprises one or more servers as illustrated at108.

In an aspect, the NOC 102 operates to transmit the content multiplexesand the NDMs to the transmitter sites using any suitable transportmechanism. For example, the content multiplexes and the NDMs aretransmitted to servers associated with each transmitter site, asillustrated at 110. In an aspect, the NOC 102 transmits the contentmultiplexes and the NDM messages to the transmitter sites using anMPEG-2 transport mechanism. In this configuration, the multiplexes andNDM messages are assigned MPEG-2 transport identifiers so that serversat each transmitter site can detect and receive selected contentmultiplexes and an NDM message which are directed to them, respectively.

The servers at the transmitter sites use the transport identifiers todetermine which multiplexes and NDM message are intended for them todistribute over their respective LOIs. The servers then operate to packtheir respective multiplexes and the NDM message into transmissionframes for transmission over selected RF channels. The servers utilizeany suitable physical layer process to pack the multiplexes and the NDMmessage into the transmission frames for transmission. By using thetransport identifiers to determine the multiplexes and the NDM messageintended for transmission over their respective LOIs, the servers at thetransmitter sites need not decode any of the multiplexes or NDMmessages. The servers simply detect the appropriate transportidentifiers and then pack the identified multiplexes and the NDM messageinto the transmission frames according to the physical layer process.

The transmission frames comprise content flows associated with the wideand local area multiplexes and the NDM message generated by theaggregation logic 104. In an aspect, the transmission frames comprisewide and local data partitions that are used to convey the wide andlocal area content flows, respectively. In addition, the wide and localpartitions comprise wide and local control channels. In an aspect, thelocal control channel is used to distribute the NDM message generated bythe aggregation logic 104 to the devices in each LOI.

In an aspect, the transmitter sites transmit transmission frames overtheir respective LOIs using the designated RF channels. By usingmultiple RF channels, the network 100 is able to transmit more contentflows over such LOIs. It should be noted that the transmitter siteswithin a LOI may be co-located or separated by any desired distance. Itshould also be noted that the NDMs distributed over each LOI may bedifferent because each LOI may have a different set of neighbor LOIs andeach neighbor may be associated with different RF channels anddescrambling sequences with which to descramble the transmitted content.

Within each LOI, descrambling sequence identifiers are associated witheach RF channel. The descrambling sequence identifiers comprise widearea descrambling sequence identifiers (WID) and local area descramblingsequence identifiers (LID). The descrambling sequence identifiersidentify descrambling sequences that can be used to descramble contentreceived in a particular LOI on a particular RF channel. For example, inLOI2 there are two RF channels (i.e., RF2, RF3) and each RF channel isassociated with descrambling sequence identifiers. For example, RF2 isassociated with WID1 and LID1, and RF3 is associated with WID2 and LID2.

A device 112 operating in the LOI2 is tuned to receive wide area contenton channel RF2 that can be descrambled with a descrambling sequenceidentified by WID1. Details of the device 112 are shown at 114. Thedevice 112 comprises a receiver 116 that operates to tune to a selectedRF channel to receive transmission frames. For example, the receiver 116is tuned to RF2 in LOI2 to receive transmission frames. The transmissionframes that are received comprise a local control channel that conveysan NDM generated by the aggregation logic 104 for LOI2. The NDMcomprises the list of neighboring LOIs for the current LOI (i.e. LOI2)and WID/LID descrambling identifiers that identify descramblingsequences that are associated with RF channels in the current LOI (i.e.,LOI2) and its neighboring LOIs (i.e., LOI1, LOI3 and LOI4).

The receiver 116 passes the received NDM to RF channel selection logic118, as illustrated at 122. The receiver 116 also descrambles thereceived content using the correct WID/LID identifiers associated withRF2 in LOI2 and passes the descrambled content to a decoder 120 thatoperates to render the content for the device user.

The RF channel selection logic 118 operates to receive the NDM at 122.The NDM specifies a list of neighboring LOIs for a given LOI and WID/LIDidentifiers for RF channels in the given LOI and its neighboring LOIs.From this information, the RF channel selection logic 118 operates tostore the mappings between RF channels and WID/LID descramblingidentifiers used in the current LOI and each neighboring LOI of thecurrent LOI. In an aspect, one or more RF channel switch events mayoccur that will cause the RF channel selection logic 118 to send arequest 124 to the receiver 116 to tune to a new RF channel. The RFchannel switch events are events that cause the device 112 to switchfrom one RF channel to another RF channel to receive a desired contentflow. In an aspect, an RF channel switch event can be initiated by adevice user request, a request generated by an application programexecuting at the device 112, and as a result of content acquisitionfailure for desired content (e.g. due to device mobility).

In an aspect, device mobility occurs when the device 112 moves from aregion covered by LOI2 to a region covered by one or more neighboringLOIs. For example, the device receiver 116 is tuned to receive a desiredcontent flow on a particular RF channel in LOI2. The RF channelselection logic 118 operates to determine an RF channel in a neighboringLOI that the receiver 116 can tune to in order to continue to receivethe desired content flow when the content acquisition failure isdetected for the desired content as the device 112 moves outside thecoverage area of LOI2.

To determine a new RF channel carrying the desired content flow, the RFchannel selection logic 118 operates to perform one or more of thefollowing functions in aspects of the selection system.

-   1. Determine (from information in a received NDM) a list of    available RF channels in neighboring LOIs that carry the desired    content flow so that a smooth transition can be performed from the    content acquisition perspective.-   2. Filter the list of available RF channels by measured signal    strength to determine a subset of RF channels which can be received    with sufficient signal strength to allow content acquisition.-   3. Order the filtered subset of RF channels by their associated LOIs    based on the number of unique WID/LID identifiers associated with RF    channels in each LOI. The number of unique WIDs and LIDs associated    with RF channels in a LOI identifies the amount of available content    in that LOI.-   4. Select an RF channel from the ordered subset of RF channels that    is associated with the LOI having the most number of unique WID/LID    identifiers (which indicates most additional content).-   5. If none of the RF channels in the list of available RF channels    meet the desired signal strength criteria, then select the RF    channel from the list of available RF channels that can be received    with the highest signal strength.

Once the RF channel is determined, the RF channel selection logic 118outputs a channel switch message 124 to the receiver 116 to implementthe channel switch. The channel switch message contains the correctWID/LID identifiers for the selected RF channel so that the desiredcontent flow can be descrambled by the receiver 116. The receiver 116performs an RF switch to the selected RF channel and descrambles contentusing the WID/LID received in the channel switch message.

Therefore, in various aspects, the selection system operates todetermine which of the available RF channels carries a desired contentflow and is available in a LOI that carries the most additional contentflows that may be quickly and efficiently switched to in the futurebased on user or application requests. This maximizes contentavailability in the device's new area and provides for an enhanced userexperience.

Content Acquisition Failure Example

Referring again to FIG. 1, the following example describes the operationof aspects of a selection system after content acquisition failure isdetected for desired content (e.g. due to device mobility). For example,it will be assumed that the device 112 is currently tuned to receivewide area content carried by channel RF2 of LOI2 and has received an NDMover a local control channel. The wide area content can be descrambledusing a descrambling sequence identified by WID1. It will further beassumed that as the device 112 moves out of the region covered by LOI2,content acquisition failures are detected for wide area content by theRF channel selection logic 118. The RF channel selection logic 118operates to determine from the NDM a list of available RF channels inthe neighboring LOIs of LOI2 that also carry the wide area contentcarried by RF2 and that can be descrambled using a descrambling sequenceidentified by WID1. Specific wide area content is descrambled using thesame descrambling sequence identifier over multiple RF channels inneighboring LOIs. In this example, it is determined that channel RF4 inLOI3 and channel RF6 in LOI4 carry same wide area content as RF2 in LOI2and these can be descrambled using a descrambling sequence identified byWID1.

The RF channel selection logic 118 communicates with the receiver 116 todetermine the signal strength for the set of available RF channels (RF4and RF6) carrying the desired content. For example, the RF channelselection logic 118 uses the measured signal strength to determine whichof the identified RF channels meets any desired signal strengthcriteria. The RF channel selection logic 118 filters the available RFchannels to determine a subset of RF channels which meet sufficientsignal strength criteria.

The RF channel selection logic 118 then sorts the filtered list ofavailable RF channels by the number of unique WID/LID identifiersassociated with their respective LOIs. The number of unique WID/LIDidentifiers indicates the amount of content available in a particularLOI. For example, the LOI having the most number of unique WID/LIDidentifiers is determined to carry the most additional content. The RFchannel selection logic 118 then selects the RF channel associated withthe LOI having the most additional content from the filtered list ofavailable RF channels.

The RF channel selection logic 118 then sends a channel switch message124 to the receiver 116 to switch to the determined RF channel. If allavailable RF channels in the list carry the same amount of additionalcontent in their associated LOI, then the RF channel with the highestsignal strength is selected. Also, if none of the available RF channelsmeet the signal strength criteria, then the RF channel with the highestsignal strength is selected. In this example, assuming both RF4 and RF6meet the signal strength criteria, RF4 of LOI3 is selected because LOI3has the most additional content (i.e., most number of unique WID/LIDidentifiers). However, if the signal strength of RF4 did not meet thedesired signal strength criteria, RF6 of LOI4 would be selected. Thus,by switching to channel RF4 of LOI4 the device can continue to receivethe desired wide area content and will have fast and efficient access toadditional content carried in LOI3.

Therefore, aspects of the selection system operate to select an RFchannel that carries the desired content and is associated with theneighboring LOI that has the most additional content available. Itshould be noted that the network 100 illustrates just one implementationof a selection system and that other implementations are possible withinthe scope of the various aspects.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a transmission frame 200 for use in aspects ofa selection system. For example, the transmission frame 200 may bepacked with wide and local area content multiplexes and an NDM message,and transmitted by one or more of the transmitter sites of FIG. 1.

The transmission frame 200 comprises four sub-frames, shown generally at202, that are used to convey wide and local area content multiplexes.For example, each sub-frame 202 comprises a wide area partition 204 thatis packed with a wide area content multiplex, and a local area partition206 that is packed with a local area content multiplex.

Included in the wide area partition 204 is a wide area control channel208. The wide area control channel 208 operates to convey messagespertaining to the wide area content multiplex. Included in the localarea partition 206 is a local area control channel 210. The local areacontrol channel 210 operates to convey messages pertaining to the localarea content multiplex. In an aspect, the local area control channel isused to convey the NDM message.

At the start of the transmission frame 200 are overhead informationsymbols (OIS) 212 that provide overhead information that is used tolocate the wide area control channel, the local area control channel,and the wide and local area content multiplexes that are packed into thesub-frames 202. The OIS 212 comprises wide overhead information symbols(WOIS) and local overhead information symbols (LOIS).

FIG. 3 shows aggregation logic 300 for use in aspects of a selectionsystem. For example, the aggregation logic 300 is suitable for use asthe aggregation logic 104 shown in FIG. 1. The aggregation logic 300comprises messaging logic 302, multiplex input logic 306, and outputlogic 308 all coupled to a data bus 310.

The multiplex input logic 306 comprises at least one of a CPU,processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardwareexecuting software. The multiplex input logic 306 operates to receiveone or more wide and/or local area multiplexes 312 that are to bedistributed over wide and local regions of a multi-frequencydistribution network.

The messaging logic 302 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor, gatearray, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executingsoftware. The messaging logic 302 operates to generate messages for usein aspects of the selection system. The messaging logic 302 has accessto the neighboring relationship information among LOIs in themulti-frequency distribution network. In an aspect, the messaging logic302 generates one or more NDM messages that identify one or moreneighboring LOIs for a given LOI and WID/LID descrambling sequenceidentifiers associated with RF channels used in the given LOI and itsneighboring LOIs. In another aspect, the messaging logic 302 generatesan NDM message for any selected group of LOIs. A more detaileddescription of the NDM message is provided in another section of thisdocument.

The output logic 308 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor, gatearray, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executingsoftware. The output logic 308 operates to output content multiplexesand NDM messages for distribution to LOIs in a multi-frequency network.For example, the output logic 308 operates to output content multiplexesand NDM messages to transmitter sites in a multi-frequency network usingany type of transport mechanism.

In an aspect, the selection system comprises a computer program producthaving one or more program instructions (“instructions”) or sets of“codes” embodied or stored on a machine-readable medium, which whenexecuted by at least one processor, for instance, a processor at themessaging logic 302, provides the functions described herein. Forexample, the sets of codes may be loaded into the aggregation logic 300from a machine-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, memorycard, FLASH memory device, RAM, ROM, or any other type of memory deviceor machine-readable medium that interfaces to the aggregation logic 300.In another aspect, the sets of codes may be downloaded into theaggregation logic 300 from an external device or network resource. Thesets of codes, when executed, provide aspects of a selection system asdescribed herein.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram that illustrates a neighbor description message400 for use in aspects of a selection system. For example, the NDM 400is generated by the messaging logic 302 shown in FIG. 3.

In an aspect, the NDM 400 is generated separately for each LOI and isconfigured to provide a list of RF channels associated with a selectedLOI and its neighboring LOIs. In another aspect, the NDM 400 isgenerated for a selected group of LOIs (which may or may not beneighbors), and includes all neighboring LOIs for each of the LOI withinthe selected group of LOIs. Each of the RF channels described in the NDM400 is associated with WID/LID descrambling identifiers. The followingis a description of the parameters included in the NDM 400.

The NDM 400 comprises a message header 402 which identifies the NDMmessage 400. The NDM 400 also comprises a LOI count parameter 404 thatindicates the number of LOIs for which a set of neighboring LOIs,associated RF channels, and WID/LID identifier information is describedin the NDM 400. For each LOI count 404, a LOI record 428 is includedcontaining the group of parameters as indicated by the bracket. Forexample, if the LOI count parameter 404 is equal to “2”, there will betwo sets of LOI records 428.

As part of the LOI record 428, a Reference LOI identifier parameter 406is provided that identifies a particular reference LOI. A neighbor LOIcount parameter 408 is provided that indicates the total number ofneighboring LOIs associated with the reference LOI plus the referenceLOI itself. For each neighbor LOI count 408, a Neighbor LOI record 430is included containing the group of parameters as indicated by thebracket. For example, if the neighbor LOI count parameter 408 is equalto “2”, there will be two sets of Neighbor LOI records 430. The NeighborLOI record 430 provides RF channels and WID/LID information associatedwith a given LOI.

As part of the Neighbor LOI record 430, a NeighborLOISameAsRefLOI flag410 is provided which indicates whether a particular Neighbor LOI record430 is for the Reference LOI. If this flag is set to true, a NeighborLOI Identifier field 412 may be omitted for optimization. The NeighborLOI Identifier 412 is provided that identifies the particular LOI forwhich information is being described in the Neighbor LOI Record 430. Afrequency count parameter 414 is provided that indicates how manyfrequencies (i.e., RF channels) are associated with the identified LOI.For each RF channel in the identified LOI, a Frequency record 432 isincluded containing the group of parameters as indicated by the bracket.For example, if the Frequency count parameter 414 is equal to “2”, therewill be two sets of Frequency records 432.

As part of the Frequency record 432, an RF Channel ID parameter 416 isprovided that indicates an identifier for a particular RF channel. Thisparameter may be used to reference to a particular RF channel in othercontrol channel messages. In an aspect, the RF Channel ID parameter 416is only included for RF channels in the reference LOI. For example, theRF channel ID parameter 416 is only included for the reference LOI andtherefore will only be present in Frequency records associated with theNeighbor LOI Record 430 for which the NeighborLOISameAsRefLOI flag 410is set to true. A frequency parameter 418 is provided that indicates aparticular transmission frequency. A channel plan parameter 420 isprovided that indicates channel bandwidth for the particulartransmission frequency. A WID parameter 422 is provided that identifiesa wide area content descrambling sequence for descrambling wide areacontent carried on the particular transmission frequency. A LIDparameter 424 is provided that identifies a local area contentdescrambling sequence for descrambling local area content carried on theparticular transmission frequency. One or more reserved parameters 426are provided at the end of the NDM message 400 for any suitableadditional information.

If the NDM 400 is generated for a group of LOIs, a given LOI may beincluded as a neighbor LOI more than once in the NDM 400. For example ifNDM 400 is generated for two neighboring LOIs, for instance LOI2 andLOI3 in FIG. 1, the LOI2 will be included twice in the NDM. The LOI2will be included once as the reference LOI and once as the neighbor ofLOI3. Similarly the LOI3 will be included once as reference LOI and onceas a neighbor of LOI2. In an aspect, if a given LOI is included morethan once in an NDM generated for a group of LOIs, the Frequency records432 are included only once for that LOI to optimize NDM size. If thisoptimization is supported, the Frequency count field 414 is set to ‘0’for all those occurrences of a given LOI which do not specify Frequencyrecords. The Frequency records 432 are always included for the NeighborLOI Record 430 corresponding to the reference LOI (with theNeighborLOISameAsRefLOI flag 410 set to true). If the Frequency countfield 414 is set to ‘0’ for a LOI, the device determines Frequencyrecords 432 for that neighbor LOI from other parts of the NDM message.Thus, an optimized NDM includes only one instance of frequency recordsfor all RF channels associated with a given LOI. For example, if thefrequency records are not included in the optimized NDM for a particularneighboring LOI of the device's current LOI, the device determinesfrequency records for that particular LOI from other parts of theoptimized NDM message containing frequency records for that particularLOI.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the NDM 400 is distributed over the LOI2 usinga local control channel 434 that is part of the transmission framestransmitted by the RF channels in LOI2. It should be noted that the NDM400 may be formatted in any suitable format, encoded or encrypted,and/or reorganized or divided into two or more message components.

A table 436 is shown that illustrates how parameters provided in the NDM400 may be organized and stored at a device. The table 436 comprises aLOI identifier 438 that identifies the device's current LOI (i.e.,LOI2). The table 436 also includes a Neighbor LOI List 440 thatidentifies neighboring LOIs of the device's current LOI plus the currentLOI itself. The table 436 also includes RF channel identifiers 442,which indicate identifiers that may be used to reference to particularRF channels of the current LOI in other control channel messages. Notethat the RF channel identifiers 442 are only provided for the currentLOI (i.e., LOI2).

The table 436 also comprises RF Frequency identifiers 444 that identifyRF frequencies associated with each LOI identified in the Neighbor LOIList 440. The table 436 also comprises WID/LID Identifiers 446 thatidentify WID/LID descrambling sequence identifiers associated with eachRF Frequency 444. Thus, the table 436 may be created and stored at areceiving device and used during operation of the selection system.

FIG. 5 shows a method 500 for generating neighbor description messagesfor use in aspects of a selection system. For clarity, the method 500 isdescribed herein with reference to the aggregation logic 300 shown inFIG. 3. For example, in an aspect, the messaging logic 302 executes oneor more sets of codes to control the aggregation logic 300 to performthe functions described below.

At block 502, one or more wide and/or local multiplexes are received fordistribution over a multi-frequency network. For example, themultiplexes are received at the NOC 102 shown in FIG. 1.

At block 504, the distribution of the received multiplexes isdetermined. For example, the NOC 102 determines the distribution of thewide area and local area multiplexes to selected WOIs and LOIs. In anaspect, the NOC 102 determines which multiplexes are to be delivered toeach LOI and the RF channels that are to be used to deliver themultiplexes within each LOI.

At block 506, NDM messages are generated for each LOI. For example, inan aspect, for each LOI in the distribution network, an NDM is generatedthat identifies the set of neighboring LOIs for that LOI and providesWID/LID identifiers for RF channels in that LOI and its neighboringLOIs. In another aspect, an NDM message is generated for any selectedgroup of LOIs. For example, the messaging logic 302 operates to generatethe NDM messages, which may be formatted as the NDM 400 illustrated inFIG. 4.

At block 508, the content multiplexes and NDM messages are distributedto transmitter sites for distribution to devices in each LOI. Forexample, the content multiplexes and NDM messages are transmitted to thetransmitters using any suitable transport mechanism. From thetransmitter sites the NDM messages are distributed over each LOI usinglocal control channels that are provided by transmitted transmissionframes as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Thus, the method 500 operates to generate neighbor description messagesfor use in aspects of a selection system. It should be noted that themethod 500 represents just one implementation and that otherimplementations are possible within the scope of the aspects.

FIG. 6 shows RF channel selection logic 600 for use in aspects of aselection system. For example, the RF channel selection logic 600 issuitable for use as the RF channel selection logic 118 shown in FIG. 1.The RF channel selection logic 600 comprises processing logic 602,message decoder 604, channel switch logic 610, and control channel inputlogic 606 all coupled to a data bus 608.

The control channel input logic 606 comprises at least one of a CPU,processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardwareexecuting software. The control channel input logic 606 operates toreceive control channel data over an RF channel that a device iscurrently tuned to and passes this data to the message decoder 604. Forexample, an NDM message is received over a local control channel that ispart of a transmission frame as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The message decoder 604 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor, gatearray, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executingsoftware. In an aspect, the message decoder 604 operates to decode anNDM message received over the control channel. For example, the messagedecoder 604 operates to decode the received NDM message to determineavailable RF channels associated with the current LOI and itsneighboring LOIs. The message decoder 604 decodes the received NDMmessage to determine WID/LID descrambling sequence identifiersassociated with each RF channel. For example, the NDM message isformatted as illustrated in FIG. 4 and is decoded to determine theWID/LID descrambling identifiers associated with RF channels in thecurrent LOI and its neighbor LOIs. In an aspect, a table of RF channelinformation is organized and stored as illustrated by table 436. Thisinformation is passed to the processing logic 602.

The processing logic 602 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor,gate array, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executingsoftware. In an aspect, the processing logic 602 operates to receive anindicator which indicates content acquisition failures for desiredcontent because of changing network conditions (e.g. due to mobility) orother reasons. In such a case, it may be necessary to perform an RFchannel switch to switch to an RF channel carried in a neighboring LOIto continue to receive the desired content.

The processing logic 602 is aware of the RF channel locations forcontent flows in the network. For example, a mapping between RF channelsand available content flows may be transmitted over the control channelfrom the network operations center and is provided to the processinglogic 602. When an RF channel switch is required because of contentacquisition failure, the processing logic 602 determines a list of RFchannels that carry the desired content. In an aspect, the processinglogic 602 assembles the list to comprise those RF channels inneighboring LOIs that are associated with the WID/LID of the desiredcontent flow.

Once the list of RF channels is determined, the processing logic 602operates to sort the list based on available content in associated LOIs.For example, the processing logic 602 determines the amount of contentavailable in a LOI by determining the number of unique WID/LIDidentifiers in each LOI. The processing logic 602 then selects the RFchannel carrying the desired content and associated with the LOI havingthe most available content and which meets any desired signal strengthcriteria. For example, the processing logic 602 communicates with areceiver to determine the signal strength of one or more RF channels anduses this information to determine which RF channels in the list of RFchannels meets the signal strength criteria. If none of the RF channelscarrying the desired content satisfy the signal strength criteria, theprocessing logic 602 selects the RF channel with the highest signalstrength, irrespective of the additional available content in theassociated LOI. The processing logic 602 then sends an identifier of theselected RF channel and its associated WID/LID descrambling sequenceidentifiers obtained from the received NDM to the channel switch logic610.

The channel switch logic 610 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor,gate array, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executingsoftware and operates to generate a channel switch message thatcomprises the desired RF channel and the WID/LID descrambling sequenceidentifiers, and which is sent to the device receiver 116. With thisinformation, the receiver 116 can quickly switch to the correct RFchannel and use the correct WID/LID descrambling sequences to receivethe desired content flow. Thus, during an RF channel switch initiateddue to content acquisition failure for the desired content (e.g. becauseof device mobility), an RF channel can be selected that provides thedesired content, meets the signal strength criteria, and which isassociated with a LOI having the most additional content for an enhanceduser experience.

In an aspect, the selection system comprises a computer program producthaving one or more program instructions (“instructions”) or sets of“codes” stored on a machine-readable medium, which when executed by atleast one processor, for instance, a processor at the processing logic602, cause a computer to provide the functions described herein. Forexample, the sets of codes may be loaded into the RF channel selectionlogic 600 from a machine-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM,memory card, FLASH memory device, RAM, ROM, or any other type of memorydevice or machine-readable medium that interfaces to the RF switch logic600. In another aspect, the sets of codes may be downloaded into the RFchannel selection logic 600 from an external device or network resource.The sets of codes, when executed, cause a computer to provide aspects ofa selection system as described herein.

FIG. 7 shows a method 700 for selecting an RF channel for use in aspectsof a selection system. For clarity, the method 700 is described hereinwith reference to the RF channel selection logic 600 shown in FIG. 6.For example, in an aspect, the processing logic 602 executes one or moresets of codes to control the RF channel selection logic 600 to performthe functions described below.

At block 702, wide and local control channel data is received. In anaspect, the wide and local control channel data is received by thecontrol channel input logic 606. For example, wide and local controlchannel data is received at a device in a sequence of transmissionframes that are formatted as illustrated in FIG. 2.

At block 704, an NDM message received in the local control channel isdecoded. In an aspect, the NDM message is formatted as illustrated inFIG. 4. The NDM message identifies the set of neighboring LOIs for thecurrent LOI and associates RF channels with WID/LID descramblingsequence identifiers for RF channels in the current LOI and itsneighboring LOIs. In an aspect, the information in the NDM message isstored at the device in a table as illustrated by table 436.

At block 706, a determination is made as to whether an RF channel switchis required due to content acquisition failures associated with desiredcontent. In an aspect, the processing logic 602 operates to determine ifan RF channel switch is required by detecting content acquisitionfailures e.g. due to device mobility. In an aspect, the receiving logicat the device indicates content acquisition failures by providing anindicator to the processing logic 602. The content acquisition failuresmay be because of changing network conditions or any other reason. Ifcontent acquisition failures are not detected, and therefore an RFchannel switch is not needed, the method stops. If content acquisitionfailures are detected, and therefore an RF channel switch is required tocontinue to receive the desired content, the method proceeds to block708.

At block 708, a list of RF channels in neighboring LOIs that carry thedesired content flow is determined. In an aspect, the processing logic602 operates to determine a selected list of RF channels carrying thedesired content based on a received NDM. For example, RF channels inneighboring LOIs that utilize the same WID/LID identifiers as thecurrent RF channel carry the desired content and are included in thelist.

At block 710, a determination is made as to whether at least one RFchannel in the selected list of RF channels meets desired signalstrength criteria. For example, the processing logic 602 receives signalstrength indicators associated with the RF channels in the list (i.e.,from receiving logic at the device) and determines which RF channelsmeet any desired signal strength criteria. If no RF channel meets thesignal strength criteria, the method proceeds to block 712. If at leastone RF channel meets the signal strength criteria, the method proceedsto block 714.

At block 714, the selected list of RF channels is filtered to determinea subset of RF channels that meet the selected signal strength criteria.For example, the processing logic 602 communicates with a devicereceiver to determine the relative signal strengths of the selected listof RF channels and creates a subset of RF channels that meet theselected signal strength criteria.

At block 716, the subset of RF channels is sorted based on the amount ofcontent available in their respective LOIs. In an aspect, the processinglogic 602 operates to sort the subset of RF channels based on theirassociated LOIs having the most number of unique WID/LID identifiers,which indicates the amount of content carried in their associated LOIs.

At block 718, a selected RF channel is determined from the sorted subsetof RF channels. In an aspect, the processing logic 602 operates todetermine the selected RF channel from the sorted subset of RF channelsthat is associated with the LOI having the most available content (i.e.,the LOI associated with the most number of unique WID/LID identifiers).

At block 712, a selected RF channel is determined from the list of RFchannels based on the RF channel having the highest signal strength. Inan aspect, the processing logic 602 operates to select the RF channelhaving the highest signal strength from the list of RF channelsdetermined at block 708.

At block 720, WID/LID identifiers associated with the selected RFchannel are determined. In an aspect, the processing logic 602 operatesto determine the WID/LID identifiers by using information provided inthe NDM to determine which WID/LID identifiers are associated with theselected RF channel. For example, the NDM is formatted as illustrated inFIG. 4 and provides a mapping between RF channels and WID/LIDidentifiers in the current LOI and its neighboring LOIs. The processinglogic 602 operates to determine the WID/LID identifiers associated withthe selected RF channel from this mapping.

At block 722, a switch to the selected RF channel is performed anddetermined WID/LID identifiers are used to descramble content on the newRF channel. In an aspect, the channel switch logic 610 operates togenerate a channel switch message that identifies the new RF channel andsends this message to receiving logic at the device. The channel switchmessage identifies the selected RF channel and its associated WID/LIDdescrambling sequence identifiers. The receiver then tunes to the new RFchannel and uses the WID/LID identifiers to determine the correctdescrambling sequences with which to descramble received transmissionframes. At block 724, the content received from the descrambledtransmission frames is decoded and rendered at the device.

Thus, the method 700 operates to select an RF channel for use in aspectsof a selection system. It should be noted that the method 700 representsjust one implementation and that other implementations are possiblewithin the scope of the aspects.

FIG. 8 shows aggregation logic 800 for use in aspects of a selectionsystem. For example, the aggregation logic 800 is suitable for use asthe aggregation logic 300 shown in FIG. 3. In an aspect, the aggregationlogic 800 is implemented by at least one integrated circuit comprisingone or more modules configured to provide aspects of a selection systemas described herein. For example, in an aspect, each module compriseshardware and/or hardware executing software.

The aggregation logic 800 comprises a first module comprising means(802) for identifying one or more selected local operationsinfrastructures (LOIs) and one or more neighboring LOIs for each of theone or more selected LOIs in the multi-frequency network, which in anaspect comprises the messaging logic 302. The aggregation logic 800 alsocomprises a second module comprising means (804) for generating aneighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the one or moreselected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs, and associates atleast one descrambling sequence identifier with each radio frequency(RF) channel associated with each of the one or more selected LOIs andtheir respective neighboring LOIs, which in an aspect comprises themessaging logic 302. The aggregation logic 800 also comprises a thirdmodule comprising means (806) for distributing the NDM over the one ormore selected LOIs, which in an aspect comprises the output logic 308.

FIG. 9 shows RF channel selection logic 900 for use in aspects of aselection system. For example, the RF channel selection logic 900 issuitable for use as the RF channel selection logic 600 shown in FIG. 6.In an aspect, the RF channel selection logic 600 is implemented by atleast one integrated circuit comprising one or more modules configuredto provide aspects of a selection system as described herein. Forexample, in an aspect, each module comprises hardware and/or hardwareexecuting software.

The RF channel selection logic 900 comprises a first module comprisingmeans (902) for receiving a NDM that identifies RF channels associatedwith a first LOI and one or more neighboring LOIs of the first LOI, andwherein each RF channel is associated with at least one descramblingsequence identifier, which in an aspect comprises the control channelinput logic 606. The RF channel selection logic 900 also comprises asecond module comprising means (904) for detecting content acquisitionfailures associated with desired content, which in an aspect comprisesthe processing logic 602. The RF channel selection logic 900 alsocomprises a third module comprising means (906) for determining a listof RF channels and their associated LOIs from the one or moreneighboring LOIs that carry the desired content, which in an aspectcomprises the processing logic 602. The RF channel selection logic 900also comprises a fourth module comprising means (908) for selecting aselected RF channel from the list of RF channels, wherein the selectedRF channel is associated with a selected LOI that carries the mostadditional content among the associated LOIs, which in an aspectcomprises the processing logic 602.

The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuitsdescribed in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may beimplemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmablelogic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor,but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processormay also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theaspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, such that theprocessor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in anASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, theprocessor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in auser terminal.

The description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Variousmodifications to these aspects may be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects, e.g., in an instant messaging service or any generalwireless data communication applications, without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and novel featuresdisclosed herein. The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein tomean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspectdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects.

Accordingly, while aspects of selection system have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be appreciated that various changes can bemade to the aspects without departing from their spirit or essentialcharacteristics. Therefore, the disclosures and descriptions herein areintended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of theinvention, which is set forth in the following claims.

1. A method for RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network, themethod comprising: identifying one or more selected local operationsinfrastructures (LOIs) and one or more neighboring LOIs for each of theone or more selected LOIs in the multi-frequency network; generating aneighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the one or moreselected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs and associates atleast one descrambling sequence identifier with each radio frequency(RF) channel associated with each of the one or more selected LOIs andtheir respective neighboring LOIs; and distributing the NDM over each ofthe one or more selected LOIs.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidgenerating comprises: generating a plurality of NDM messages associatedwith a plurality of LOIs, respectively.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein said distributing comprises distributing the plurality of NDMmessages over their associated LOIs, respectively.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each of the at least one descrambling sequenceidentifiers comprises at least one of a wide area sequence identifier(WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).
 5. The method of claim1, wherein said generating comprises optimizing the NDM to include onlyone instance of frequency records for all RF channels associated with agiven LOI.
 6. An apparatus for RF channel selection in a multi-frequencynetwork, the apparatus comprising: messaging logic configured toidentify one or more selected local operations infrastructures (LOIs)and one or more neighboring LOIs for each of the one or more selectedLOIs in the multi-frequency network, generate a neighbor descriptionmessage (NDM) that identifies the one or more selected LOIs and theirrespective neighboring LOIs and associates at least one descramblingsequence identifier with each radio frequency (RF) channel associatedwith each of the one or more selected LOIs and their respectiveneighboring LOIs; and output logic configured to distribute the NDM overthe one or more selected LOIs.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein saidmessaging logic is configured to generate a plurality of NDM messagesassociated with a plurality of LOIs, respectively.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein said output logic is configured to distribute theplurality of NDM messages over their associated LOIs, respectively. 9.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the at least one descramblingsequence identifiers comprises at least one of a wide area sequenceidentifier (WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).
 10. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein said messaging logic is configured tooptimize the NDM to include only one instance of frequency records forall RF channels associated with a given LOI.
 11. An apparatus for RFchannel selection in a multi-frequency network, the apparatuscomprising: means for identifying one or more selected local operationsinfrastructures (LOIs) and one or more neighboring LOIs for each of theone or more selected LOIs in the multi-frequency network; means forgenerating a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the oneor more selected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs, andassociates at least one descrambling sequence identifier with each radiofrequency (RF) channel associated with each of the one or more selectedLOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs; and means for distributingthe NDM over the one or more selected LOIs.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein said means for generating comprises means for generating aplurality of NDM messages associated with a plurality of LOIs,respectively.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means fordistributing comprises means for distributing the plurality of NDMmessages over their associated LOIs, respectively.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein each of the at least one descrambling sequenceidentifiers comprises at least one of a wide area sequence identifier(WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein said means for generating comprises means foroptimizing the NDM to include only one instance of frequency records forall RF channels associated with a given LOI.
 16. A computer programproduct for RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network, thecomputer program product comprising: a machine-readable mediumcomprising: a first set of codes for causing a computer to identify oneor more selected local operations infrastructures (LOIs) and one or moreneighboring LOIs for each of the one or more selected LOIs in themulti-frequency network, generate a neighbor description message (NDM)that identifies the one or more selected LOIs and their respectiveneighboring LOIs and associates at least one descrambling sequenceidentifier with each radio frequency (RF) channel associated with eachof the one or more selected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs;and a second set of codes for causing the computer to distribute the NDMover the one or more selected LOIs.
 17. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein said first set of codes are configured to cause thecomputer to generate a plurality of NDM messages associated with aplurality of LOIs, respectively.
 18. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein said second set of codes are configured to cause thecomputer to distribute the plurality of NDM messages over theirassociated LOIs, respectively.
 19. The machine-readable medium of claim16, wherein each of the at least one descrambling sequence identifierscomprises at least one of a wide area sequence identifier (WID) and alocal area sequence identifier (LID).
 20. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein said first set of codes are configured to cause thecomputer to optimize the NDM to include only one instance of frequencyrecords for all RF channels associated with a given LOI.
 21. Anintegrated circuit configured to perform a method for RF channelselection in a multi-frequency network, the integrated circuitcomprising: a first module configured to identify one or more selectedlocal operations infrastructures (LOIs) and one or more neighboring LOIsfor each of the one or more selected LOIs in the multi-frequencynetwork, generate a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifiesthe one or more selected LOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs, andassociate at least one descrambling sequence identifier with each radiofrequency (RF) channel associated with each of the one or more selectedLOIs and their respective neighboring LOIs; and a second moduleconfigured to distribute the NDM over the one or more selected LOIs. 22.The integrated circuit of claim 21, wherein said first module isconfigured to generate a plurality of NDM messages associated with aplurality of LOIs, respectively.
 23. The integrated circuit of claim 22,wherein said second module is configured to distribute the plurality ofNDM messages over their associated LOIs, respectively.
 24. Theintegrated circuit of claim 21, wherein each of the at least onedescrambling sequence identifiers comprises at least one of a wide areasequence identifier (WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).25. The integrated circuit of claim 21, wherein said first module isconfigured to optimize the NDM to include only one instance of frequencyrecords for all RF channels associated with a given LOI.
 26. A methodfor RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network, the methodcomprising: receiving a neighbor description message (NDM) thatidentifies radio frequency (RF) channels associated with a first localoperations infrastructure (LOI) and one or more neighboring LOIs of thefirst LOI, and wherein each RF channel is associated with at least onedescrambling sequence identifier; detecting content acquisition failuresassociated with desired content; determining a list of RF channelscarrying the desired content and their associated LOIs from the one ormore neighboring LOIs; and selecting a selected RF channel from the listof RF channels, wherein the selected RF channel is associated with aselected LOI that carries the most additional content among theassociated LOIs.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprisingswitching to the selected RF channel to acquire the desired contentusing a selected descrambling sequence identifier associated with theselected RF channel.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the at leastone descrambling sequence identifier comprises at least one of a widearea sequence identifier (WID) and a local area sequence identifier(LID).
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein said receiving comprisesreceiving an optimized NDM that includes only one instance of frequencyrecords for all RF channels associated with a given LOI.
 30. The methodof claim 29, wherein said determining comprises determining the list ofRF channels carrying the desired content and their associated LOIs frominformation in the optimized NDM.
 31. The method of claim 26, whereinsaid receiving comprises receiving the NDM over a control channel. 32.The method of claim 26, wherein the selected LOI is associated with thegreatest number of unique descrambling sequence identifiers among theassociated LOIs.
 33. The method of claim 26, wherein said selectingcomprises: filtering the list of RF channels to produce a filtered listof RF channels and associated filtered LOIs, wherein the filtered listof RF channels meet a signal strength criteria; and selecting theselected RF channel from the filtered list of RF channels, wherein theselected RF channel is associated with a selected filtered LOI that isassociated with the greatest number of unique descrambling sequenceidentifiers among the filtered LOIs.
 34. An apparatus for RF channelselection in a multi-frequency network, the apparatus comprising: amessage decoder configured to receive a neighbor description message(NDM) that identifies radio frequency (RF) channels associated with afirst local operations infrastructure (LOI) and one or more neighboringLOIs of the first LOI, and wherein each RF channel is associated with atleast one descrambling sequence identifier; and processing logicconfigured to detect content acquisition failures associated withdesired content, determine a list of RF channels carrying the desiredcontent and their associated LOIs from the one or more neighboring LOIs,and select a selected RF channel from the list of RF channels, whereinthe selected RF channel is associated with a selected LOI that carriesthe most additional content among the associated LOIs.
 35. The apparatusof claim 34, further comprising channel switch logic configured toswitch to the selected RF channel to acquire the desired content using aselected descrambling sequence identifier associated with the selectedRF channel.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the at least onedescrambling sequence identifier comprises at least one of a wide areasequence identifier (WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said message decoder isconfigured to receive an optimized NDM that includes only one instanceof frequency records for all RF channels associated with a given LOI.38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said processing logic isconfigured to determine the list of RF channels carrying the desiredcontent and their associated LOIs from information in the optimized NDM.39. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said message decoder isconfigured to receive the NDM over a control channel.
 40. The apparatusof claim 34, wherein the selected LOI is associated with the greatestnumber of unique descrambling sequence identifiers among the associatedLOIs.
 41. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said processing logic isconfigured to: filter the list of RF channels to produce a filtered listof RF channels and associated filtered LOIs, wherein the filtered listof RF channels meet a signal strength criteria; and select the selectedRF channel from the filtered list of RF channels, wherein the selectedRF channel is associated with a selected filtered LOI that is associatedwith the greatest number of unique descrambling sequence identifiersamong the filtered LOIs.
 42. An apparatus for RF channel selection in amulti-frequency network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving aneighbor description message (NDM) that identifies radio frequency (RF)channels associated with a first local operations infrastructure (LOI)and one or more neighboring LOIs of the first LOI, and wherein each RFchannel is associated with at least one descrambling sequenceidentifier; means for detecting content acquisition failures associatedwith desired content; means for determining a list of RF channelscarrying the desired content and their associated LOIs from the one ormore neighboring LOIs; and means for selecting a selected RF channelfrom the list of RF channels, wherein the selected RF channel isassociated with a selected LOI that carries the most additional contentamong the associated LOIs.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42, furthercomprising means for switching to the selected RF channel to acquire thedesired content using a selected descrambling sequence identifierassociated with the selected RF channel.
 44. The apparatus of claim 42,wherein the at least one descrambling sequence identifier comprises atleast one of a wide area sequence identifier (WID) and a local areasequence identifier (LID).
 45. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein saidmeans for receiving comprises means for receiving an optimized NDM thatincludes only one instance of frequency records for all RF channelsassociated with a given LOI.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein saidmeans for determining comprises means for determining the list of RFchannels carrying the desired content and their associated LOIs frominformation in the optimized NDM.
 47. The apparatus of claim 42, whereinsaid means for receiving comprises means for receiving the NDM over acontrol channel.
 48. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the selected LOIis associated with the greatest number of unique descrambling sequenceidentifiers among the associated LOIs.
 49. The apparatus of claim 42,wherein said means for selecting comprises: means for filtering the listof RF channels to produce a filtered list of RF channels and associatedfiltered LOIs, wherein the filtered list of RF channels meet a signalstrength criteria; and means for selecting the selected RF channel fromthe filtered list of RF channels, wherein the selected RF channel isassociated with a selected filtered LOI that is associated with thegreatest number of unique descrambling sequence identifiers among thefiltered LOIs.
 50. A computer program product for RF channel selectionin a multi-frequency network, the computer program product comprising: amachine-readable medium comprising: a first set of codes for causing acomputer to receive a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifiesradio frequency (RF) channels associated with a first local operationsinfrastructure (LOI) and one or more neighboring LOIs of the first LOI,and wherein each RF channel is associated with at least one descramblingsequence identifier; a second set of codes for causing the computer todetect content acquisition failures associated with desired content; athird set of codes for causing the computer to determine a list of RFchannels carrying the desired content and their associated LOIs from theone or more neighboring LOIs; and a fourth set of codes for causing thecomputer to select a selected RF channel from the list of RF channels,wherein the selected RF channel is associated with a selected LOI thatcarries the most additional content among the associated LOIs.
 51. Themachine-readable medium of claim 50, further comprising a fifth set ofcodes for causing the computer to switch to the selected RF channel toacquire the desired content using a selected descrambling sequenceidentifier associated with the selected RF channel.
 52. Themachine-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the at least onedescrambling sequence identifier comprises at least one of a wide areasequence identifier (WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).53. The machine-readable medium of claim 50, wherein said first set ofcodes is configured to cause the computer to receive an optimized NDMthat includes only one instance of frequency records for all RF channelsassociated with a given LOI.
 54. The machine-readable medium of claim53, wherein said third set of codes is configured to cause the computerto determine the list of RF channels carrying the desired content andtheir associated LOIs from information in the optimized NDM.
 55. Themachine-readable medium of claim 50, wherein said first set of codes isconfigured to cause the computer to receive the NDM over a controlchannel.
 56. The machine-readable medium of claim 50, wherein theselected LOI is associated with the greatest number of uniquedescrambling sequence identifiers among the associated LOIs.
 57. Themachine-readable medium of claim 50, wherein said fourth set of codes isconfigured to cause the computer to: filter the list of RF channels toproduce a filtered list of RF channels and associated filtered LOIs,wherein the filtered list of RF channels meet a signal strengthcriteria; and select the selected RF channel from the filtered list ofRF channels, wherein the selected RF channel is associated with aselected filtered LOI that is associated with the greatest number ofunique descrambling sequence identifiers among the filtered LOIs.
 58. Atleast one integrated circuit configured to perform a method for RFchannel selection in a multi-frequency network, the at least oneintegrated circuit comprising: a first module configured to receive aneighbor description message (NDM) that identifies radio frequency (RF)channels associated with a first local operations infrastructure (LOI)and one or more neighboring LOIs of the first LOI, and wherein each RFchannel is associated with at least one descrambling sequenceidentifier; a second module configured to detect content acquisitionfailures associated with desired content; a third module configured todetermine a list of RF channels carrying the desired content and theirassociated LOIs from the one or more neighboring LOIs; and a fourthmodule configured to select a selected RF channel from the list of RFchannels, wherein the selected RF channel is associated with a selectedLOI that carries the most additional content among the associated LOIs.59. The at least one integrated circuit of claim 58, further comprisinga fifth module configured to switch to the selected RF channel toacquire the desired content using a selected descrambling sequenceidentifier associated with the selected RF channel.
 60. The at least oneintegrated circuit of claim 58, wherein the at least one descramblingsequence identifier comprises at least one of a wide area sequenceidentifier (WID) and a local area sequence identifier (LID).
 61. The atleast one integrated circuit of claim 58, wherein said first module isconfigured to receive the NDM over a control channel.
 62. The at leastone integrated circuit of claim 58, wherein said first module isconfigured to receive an optimized NDM that includes only one instanceof frequency records for all RF channels associated with a given LOI.63. The at least one integrated circuit of claim 62, wherein said thirdmodule is configured to determine the list of RF channels carrying thedesired content and their associated LOIs from information in theoptimized NDM.
 64. The at least one integrated circuit of claim 58,wherein the selected LOI is associated with the greatest number ofunique descrambling sequence identifiers among the associated LOIs. 65.The at least one integrated circuit of claim 58, wherein said fourthmodule is configured to: filter the list of RF channels to produce afiltered list of RF channels and associated filtered LOIs, wherein thefiltered list of RF channels meet a signal strength criteria; and selectthe selected RF channel from the filtered list of RF channels, whereinthe selected RF channel is associated with a selected filtered LOI thatis associated with the greatest number of unique descrambling sequenceidentifiers among the filtered LOIs.